Marcus Rashford reaction and Casemiro gesture spark Manchester United thrashing of Barnsley

Marcus Rashford harrumphed at Christian Eriksen's failure to pass to him one minute. When Alejandro Garnacho did minutes later, Rashford demonstrated why he merited the service.

Rashford's first Old Trafford goal in six months was reminiscent of the purposeful and direct talisman of two years ago. Manchester United had started sloppily yet Rashford was sharp before he weaved through two Barnsley defenders and threatened to break the net.

Those in the Stretford End who vented at Rashford at the start of the month against Liverpool serenaded him. Just as the away following had at Southampton.

As troublesome as Rashford's early performances this season were, he has been in the thick of it: clear-cut chances against Manchester City, a one-on-one against Fulham, a disallowed goal at Brighton and two presentable openings created for Joshua Zirkzee against Liverpool. Now he is on three goals in six starts.

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This was an obvious opportunity to capitalise on Rashford's breakthrough strike at Southampton and it would be churlish to belittle his sudden scoring streak against the fodder. Rashford is more than a quarter of the way to his meagre haul of eight goals last season and United have three wingers in fine fettle.

Antony would argue four. Rashford was preparing to step up to take the penalty Antony had earned before Casemiro approached his compatriot, who soon received the match ball. Antony calmly placed it out of goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina's reach.

He had dropped to his knees and raised his hands towards the heavens seconds before kick-off. The Almighty had answered Antony's prayer.

Erik ten Hag admitted on the eve of this match